ORMOC CITY— A high-value drug suspect ranked No. 12 in the Regional Priority Target List of the Philippine National Police was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Larrazabal, Naval in Biliran on Monday, April 21.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Jay,” 25, single, and a resident of Barangay San Roque, was apprehended at around 11:56 a.m. through a joint operation led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Biliran Provincial Police Office, in coordination with the Station Drug Enforcement Team and the Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Col. Erwin Portillo, provincial director of the Biliran police, said the suspect yielded several pieces of evidence, including five sachets containing white crystalline substances believed to be shabu and a self-sealing cellophane containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana.
One sachet of suspected shabu was purchased by an undercover operative for P500, while additional sachets were recovered during a body search conducted in the presence of required witnesses.
Authorities also confiscated the marked money used in the operation, an improvised tooter with traces of suspected marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia.
The total weight of the seized substances has yet to be determined by the regional forensic unit.
Police said the suspect was informed of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
Charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 were filed against the suspect, who is currently detained at the Naval Municipal Police Station.
(ROBERT DEJON)
